I admit that I'm not an unbiased source when it comes to Koh Tao. I met my husband there – I literally bumped into him at the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint – so I'll always be able to think of the island as magical.

What makes this place so special is that it's truly magical. It offers the surreal scenery of Thailand's Andaman Sea islands, but without the crowds, it's just as comfortable as Koh Samui, only without the high prices.

So, is Koh Tao worth a visit? And is it safe there? Instead of answering these questions without further explanation, I would like to explain in detail how I arrived at my respective conclusions.

Is Koh Tao safe?

In the early to mid-2010s, Koh Tao gained a reputation as Thailand's "murder island" or "death island." This was due to the disappearance of several people (mostly young women) who were later found dead on the island, in many cases under circumstances that were never fully explained. Although these deaths were insignificant compared to the tens of thousands of tourists who visit Koh Tao weekly, they understandably worried some people.

My personal observation (admittedly as a man) is that Koh Tao is safe, with a few caveats. Firstly, the later you are out at night (especially alone), the higher the likelihood of something bad (though not death) happening to you. Go out with friends (or at least with people from your hotel or hostel) and try to get home in good time. Furthermore, the biggest danger on Koh Tao isn't a mysterious murderer, but the island's dangerous roads.

Things to do in Koh Tao

Visit the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint

When most travelers think of Koh Tao, they're actually referring to Koh Nang Yuan, consisting of three small islands off the northwest coast of the main island. The absolute highlight is the viewpoint (there's only one), which you have to follow to reach the signs. You might even meet your future spouse there.

(And the viewpoint of John Suwan)

Another equally beautiful (though somewhat less well-known) viewpoint is the John Suwan Viewpoint, located near the southern tip of Koh Tao between the beaches of Chalok Bay and Shark Bay. The climb there is a bit more strenuous than on Koh Nang Yuan; you need a motorbike to reach the trailhead.

Swimming at Sairee Beach

Sairee Beach (where most of Koh Tao's hotels are located) seems unremarkable at first glance: its convenient location makes it appear rather unexotic; its proximity to Koh Tao's main pier makes swimming there questionable. Nevertheless, it's a relaxing place to swim, not least because you can return directly to your hotel afterwards and take a shower.

Get your diving certificate

Koh Tao is definitely worth a visit if you love diving or want to make it a habit. Before Koh Tao gained its reputation as Thailand's murder island, it was even considered the most popular place in the kingdom to get a PADI diving certification.

Enjoy the sunset from above

Three viewpoints might sound like a lot for one island, but with views as breathtaking as those on Koh Tao, it's just right. The aptly named Sunset Viewpoint is probably the most dangerous of them all. It's a massive boulder with a steep drop-off: under no circumstances should you go near the edge!

Accommodation in Koh Tao

Exploring Koh Tao without your own vehicle isn't easy, not to mention the challenges of driving. Therefore, I recommend staying near restaurants and the main pier, as public transport connections aren't always reliable. Most travelers stay in the area around Sairee Beach, where accommodations range from the basic Koh Tao Beach Club to the more upscale Koh Tao Cabana.

If accessibility to other places is less important to you (or you own a motorbike), other areas of Koh Tao are better suited as a base. I'm particularly fond of the southern beaches of Chalok Bay and Shark Bay. Excellent accommodations such as the View Point Resort and the Haadtien Beach Club are located nearby.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Tao

How many days does one need on Koh Tao?

I would recommend spending 2-3 days on Koh Tao. This will give you enough time to visit Koh Nang Yuan and thoroughly explore the mainland of Koh Tao, even if you don't have concrete plans for your travels upon arrival. Combine this with 2-3 days each on Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui, and you'll spend a full week in the Chumphon Archipelago.

Is Koh Tao a party island?

Koh Tao may not have the Full Moon Party like nearby Koh Pha Ngan, but there are plenty of bars on the island if you want to grab a drink or enjoy live music. Frankly, I wouldn't call it a party island, which is why I find the sensationalist stories about death and mutilation while drunk so disconcerting.

Is Koh Tao expensive?

Koh Tao is one of the most affordable islands in Thailand, at least as of early 2023. However, it is far less developed for tourism than Koh Samui, Phuket, or Koh Pha Ngan, which is one reason why this remains the case. Most travelers can enjoy Koh Tao for US$100 per day or even less.

How do you get to Koh Tao?

Getting to Koh Tao is quite easy. Most travelers fly to Koh Samui and then take the ferry from Lomphraya, which runs directly from the island's north coast to Koh Tao. Alternatively, if you've just attended a Full Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan, you can also take a ferry from there. However, Koh Tao itself doesn't have an airport, so direct flights aren't possible.

Conclusion

Is Koh Tao worth visiting? Is Koh Tao safe? Koh Tao is definitely worth a visit, but the island also has its drawbacks. For one thing, the question of whether Koh Tao is dangerous (and if so, how to protect yourself) can be a serious obstacle to travel. In addition, many travelers simply prefer less complicated and less controversial islands during their Thailand trip – they just don't have time for Koh Tao. Nevertheless, I hope you'll consider Koh Tao, even if the island doesn't quite deliver as many unexpected experiences as you'd hoped. To ensure your Thailand trip from Koh Tao to Bangkok is a complete success, I'd be happy to help you with the planning.